February 28, 2013

• Texas Education Agency state assessment, STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) has replaced TAKS. STAAR is more rigorous than previous state tests. It contains more test questions at most grade levels. The majority of the STAAR assessments will test material students studied this year. Also, as it was last year, tests will have a time limit. Unless a student is eligible for an accommodation, each student will have four hours to complete each assessment. We have repeatedly spoken with our students about the changes in the state testing and how the test is more rigorous than the previous TAKS test.   Coupled with this test and the increased passing standards, your child must also meet the passing standard in the class in order to be promoted.   8^th grade students who are not successful on the tests will have one additional opportunity before the end of the spring semester (in May) and one last opportunity at the end of June to retest and pass STAAR. 8^th grade students who do not pass STAAR on the second administration, will be required to enroll in summer school to prepare for the 3^rd and final administration of STAAR. If a decision is made not to enroll and successfully complete this requirement, then they will be retained.  If you would like additional information concerning the STAAR test, visit the Texas Education Agency website at www.tea.state.tx.us and click on Testing and Accountability on the left hand side.  Also, you may contact your child’s teacher for more information.  Thank you in advance for your support.

• STAAR Test calendar: April 2: 7^th grade Writing Day 1, 8^th grade Mathematics; April 3: 7^th grade Writing Day 2, 8^th grade Reading; April 23: 6^th and 7^th grade Mathematics; April 24: 6^th and 7^th grade Reading: April 24: 8^th grade Science; April 25: 8^th grade Social Studies. Test security measures will be in place on test days to limit student access to cell phones during testing. It is suggested that students leave cell phones at home on the days of testing. If you choose to allow your child to bring a phone, students must submit their cell phones that are turned off to their test administrators on the day of testing. Cell phones will be placed in an individual zip lock bag and returned to each student as soon as all testing has been completed for the day. You may also go online at www.tea.state.tx.us Student Assessment Division for additional information.

• White Oak ISD has scheduled 4 early release days this year for staff development. On the following days, middle school students will be dismissed at 12:30 pm. Bus transportation will be provided. (September 19, October 17, February 27, April 10)

• Spring Break is scheduled for the week of March 11-15

• Nominations for our Gifted and Talented Program will be accepted from March 18-29. At that time, forms will be available from Mrs. Hamm, Middle School Counselor. Testing will be completed before the end of the spring semester. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact her at 903-291-2032 or [email protected].

• Spring pictures will be taken next Wednesday, March 6. Packets will be given to our students on Monday, March 4.

• WOMS Majorette and Flag try-outs are scheduled for Friday, April 5 after school. Contact Mr. Whatley at [email protected] for 903-291-2060 for more information.

• Cheerleader tryouts are scheduled for Friday, March 22. For candidates who returned their packet, there will be an informational meeting for candidates and parents on Monday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m in the New Middle School Gym. Parent/guardian attendance is mandatory at this meeting.

• Our Middle School Band will participate in the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest on Wednesday, April 17 at Gladewater ISD Auditorium. Contact Mr. Whatley (903-291-2060) for additional information.

• In emergency situations when a student must ride a different bus or be let off at another stop, parents/guardians must call the Transportation Department, (903-291-2149) as early in the day as possible. When calling, inform the office of the child’s name, caller’s name (parent/guardian only) and phone number, reason for change in ridership for that day, and drop off location. All changes must originate from the child’s parent or legal guardian and include the above information. A callback may be initiated. To ensure the safety of our students, notes will not be accepted for this special arrangement.

• As a partner in education, the White Oak Independent School District School Nutrition program contributes to a successful academic experience and encourages a lifetime of healthy eating by providing each student with the opportunity to consume meals that are nutritious, appealing, and served by caring professionals in a pleasant environment. You may choose to send money with your child or you may make a deposit to your child’s lunch account online. Please check your child’s account on a regular basis to ensure they have enough money in their account. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Lori Ferguson, Director of WOISD Food Services.

• Spring Band Concert will be Tuesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm in the auditorium.

• 6^th and 8^th grade athletic physicals (for next year) have been scheduled for Saturday, May 4. Contact Coach Gerry Stanford (Athletic Director) for additional information. (903-291-2212)

• We are collecting Box Tops for Education. Please clip your Box Tops and send them with your child. The class with the most Box Tops will earn a reward. Students also have the possibility of winning a $10 gift card each week for bringing 25 Box Tops.

Spring Hill ISD Resource Officer, Roger Askew will be presenting a multimedia presentation on “How media affects our students” Monday night, February 25th. The event will take place at the Spring Hill ISD Auditorium beginning at 5:30 PM. It is sponsored by the Spring Hill PTA. Officer Askew will present information on music, television and video games that are popular with our students. . The invitation has been extended to our faculty and staff as well as White Oak ISD parents as well.    The sponsor has asked that the  invitation to this event be limited to  persons 18 years of age and older.

Monday, February 18 is a school holiday. (Presidents’ Day)

Wednesday, February 27 is our next early release for all campuses for District-wide staff development.    Middle school will be dismissed  at 12:30 pm.    Bus transportation will be provided.